Grace’s Courage Crusade Brunch 2012

Warm temperatures and brilliant sunshine welcomed several hundred guests attending Grace’s Courage Crusade this year. Held on October 21, 2012 at the Atlantic Beach Club in Newport, Rhode Island overlooking the water, supporters gathered for brunch and fun. Grace’s Courage Crusade is the undertaking of the Sidoti/Caldarone family whose objective is to raise funds for research into Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) Type 2. CMT Type 2 affects Marybeth Caldarone and her daughter Grace. Grace’s Courage Crusade is such a heartfelt event that some traveled from as far as New York and Maryland to attend.

Following the main buffet was a raffle of over 40 items including a handmade baby quilt, jewelry, water color paintings, seasonal baskets, gift card baskets, an IPad and a 42” flat screen TV. Grace enjoyed the honor of drawing the winning raffle tickets which were announced by friend and event coordinator, Tonia Hassell. Once again, Tonia worked tirelessly, along with Marybeth Caldarone to make this event successful.

After the raffle it was time for the most anticipated event: the Dessert Auction. Two tables were brimming with a large assortment of sweets. Some were from local restaurants and bakeries while others were homemade. Whether lemon layer cake, bars, angry bird cupcakes or chocolate cake with strawberries, everything looked delicious. It must have all tasted delicious as well–there wasn’t a crumb left after the auction!